DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University

We still believe in Visitor Centers, even though Visit Fort Colins CEO Cynthia Eichler recently wrote a CDME paper entitled, Visitor Centers are Dead. Why then did she just open a Visitors Center in Downtown Fort Collins? Because it’s not simply a Visitor Center. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the creation of a Community Hub, the partnerships that came together to make it happen and how the Center is blowing away initial estimates and expectations. And, we spend one of our questions on the innovative online retail hub they created during the Plague that helped save several Fort Collins businesses.

On this edition of DMOU, we sit down with Experience Grand Rapids CEO Doug Small and talk about how his community continues to evolve, how his DMO has doubled down on their brand pillars…and how he takes his Board of Directors to travel trade shows so they can experience, first hand, what we do to bring business to our communities. And, a Bonus Round where we geek out on cooking and herbs. Join us.

On this special edition of DMOU, we catch up with Vic Isley, CEO of Explore Asheville. In the devastating aftermath of the one-two-punch of torrential rains and then Hurricane Helene, Vic shares how the Asheville region is bouncing back…and how Explore Asheville is playing a vital and meaningful role in the recovery. From their presenting sponsorship of the upcoming Concert for Carolina to innovative initiatives like Always Asheville and Love Asheville from Afar, it’s a fascinating story of grit and resiliency…and you’ll learn how you can directly support Asheville’s recovery. Join us.

On this edition of DMOU, we settle in with John Sage of Sage Inclusion. We met John at the Destinations International Annual Convention and were fascinated by his take on what destinations and DMOs get right (and wrong) about travelers with disabilities, a market cohort that is only growing with an aging population. In our conversation, John demystifies ways that DMOs can play a pivotal role in making their destinations more accessible. Join us.

On this edition of DMOU, travel with us to Shipshewana, Indiana…where roughly half the population (and a big part of the destination’s allure) aren’t online. Sonya Nash shares insights into her community’s Amish Culture and how her DMO has developed a home-grown, customized customer service program that meets the unique needs of her community, from hospitality to pharmacies, that graduated their first class earlier this year. Plus, a Bonus Round Question that shines a light on Sonya’s record-breaking turn at a McDonald’s Drive-thru. Join us.

On this Edition of DMOU, we check in with Adam Stoker, author of Touchpoints and progenitor of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network to get under the hood of a new free online town square for Destination Leaders. It’s called TourismIQ…and Adam walks us through its genesis, its current build out and what users can expect in the near future. Join Us.

On this episode of DMOU, we hang with Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers and talk about how the Badger State captured the culinary world’s attention with the most recent season of Top Chef. Anne explains how Wisconsin Tourism made it happen through amazing collaborations and shares how they are extending the reach of the series and major events like the Republican National Convention and next year’s NFL Draft far beyond the events themselves. Plus, a Bonus Round question that involves Muppets. Join us.

When it comes to Short Term Rentals, trying to put the genie back into the bottle has proven elusive for most governments. Initially defended as a property rights play, elected leaders are now grappling with its unintended impact on affordable housing. On this edition of DMOU, we welcome 1000 Island International Tourism Council CEO Corey Fram with a fascinating story of how, after several twists and turns, the New York State Legislature actually passed a bill this session that brings STRs outside of New York City into the Tourism and Community Development eco-system. And, it all came down to framing the issue as not a Tourism or Fairness issue…but as one that cities, towns and villages actually cared about. Plus a Bonus Round question that has me remembering the best moments of “Slap Shot.” Join us.

Each year on DMOU, we invite the new Chair of Destinations International to share their agenda for the upcoming year. On this episode, Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Scott White shares his goal of providing a higher level of engagement and mentorship to the generations entering the DMO sector…and talks about how his DMO is engaging members of his community to become part of the hospitality community with a pathway to senior management. And then, there is a Bonus Round Question that explores a fascinating love story. Join us.

Gaylord is one of Michigan’s top spots for outdoor recreation (and one of our favorite getaways), where this week they celebrate Alpenfest. But in the past couple years, the community has been buffeted by a tornado, a virtually snowless winter and, like most destinations, a serious shortage of available hospitality workforce. Convention & Tourism Bureau Chief Paul Beachnau joins us to talk about the resilience of the community and how his DMO managed their media relationships to emerge stronger than ever. And produced a video with locals for locals to encourage residents to consider a career in hospitality. Plus, a harrowing Bonus Round Question in which Paul shares possibly the worst day of his life. Join us.